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Monday, February 6, 2012

Super Foods 2012 #2 - Chickpeas and Hummus Recipe

I think most people in North America have at least tried a chickpea - hummus, roasted chickpeas, falafels, salads...the nutty and buttery tasting legume is everywhere!

Major chickpea producers include India, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey, Canada, and Australia. Currently, the United States imports more than 80 percent of its domestic chickpea needs.

Chickpea Facts

chickpea seeds contain 20% protein, 5% fat and 55% carbohydrate

chickpeas contains complex carbohydrates and fiber

they are a good source of vitamin B6, C and zinc

they have a low glycemic index value (42 – canned)

they are very versatile as they can be stored dry and reconstituted later with liquid; canned in liquid; blended into a spread (as with hummus); roasted and eaten as a snack; or ground into flour.

According to the Vancouver Sun one cup of chickpeas provide 270 calories; 71 per cent of an adult’s daily needs for folate; 26 per cent for iron; 20 per cent of magnesium; 17 per cent zinc; 28 per cent phosphorus and 14 per cent potassium.